Lords debate on Public Services

The Chief Executive of Turning Point, Lord Victor Adebowale,
recently spoke in a short debate tabled by Lord Boateng on Public
Services in the House of Lords.

Victor said that the debate centred on "a very important issue
which goes to the heart of what we might call a civilised society
and the future of social services generally."

Victor discussed how, in reference to health and social care,
voluntary and not-for-profit sector organisations contribute a huge
amount across a wide range of public services. Victor said "it is
estimated that 57% of the not-for-profit sector workforce is
employed in health and social care, which amounts to around 437,000
people. Over £4 billion-worth of health and social care services
are provided by charities and social enterprises. These services
provide vital support to people at the sharp end of the inverse
care law. It has been an ongoing theme of my existence as a Peer
constantly to refer to the fact that those most in need of health
and social care services tend to get them least."

Victor went on to say that "the public and not-for-profit
sectors are facing very difficult times. The cuts are biting and we
are all feeling the effects of reduced budgets. Many smaller
charities are at risk of closing entirely. The Government need to
ensure that there is adequate local funding in the future so that
fundamental social care needs can be met. Local authorities, care
providers and the voluntary sector must be able to maintain and
protect the quality of services and care that they provide."

Victor concluded that, "this is not just about the Government's
enthusiasm for the sector; it is about the Government's ability
actually to acknowledge the challenge facing public services at
this time and to work in partnership with the not-for-profit
sector, the private sector and the public sector to reverse the
inverse care law."